Testicular implants at Spire Edinburgh Hospitals Murrayfield and Shawfair Park

You may have lost one or both testicles for any of several reasons. Testicular cancer is the major cause of removal of one or both testicle(s) but physical trauma and undescended testes can also lead to such surgery.

Men who have had a testicular implant have told us it improves their self-confidence and self-esteem. It's a relatively straightforward procedure.

If you decide to have your treatment with us, you will be looked after by an experienced multi-disciplinary care team.

Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.

All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.

Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.

We're here to listen and help you every step of the way. You will have a formal consultation with the consultant of your choice. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and any concerns you might have.

Your consultant will discuss with you if they feel any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out. 

It’s important before any cosmetic procedure that you are realistic about the likely results and appearance.

You can discuss the probable outcome with your surgeon at this initial appointment. The implant is a similar – but probably not the same - size as a normal testicle and it’s likely your scrotum will look quite normal.

We're here to listen and help you every step of the way to get the best out of life.

We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.

For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.

Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.

We understand that having any operation, even one as relatively straightforward as this, can cause anxiety. Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there to reassure you throughout.

You’ll be given a general anaesthetic so you will be asleep during the operation. Your expert consultant surgeon will make a small cut in the scrotum so he or she can insert the silicone testicular implant.

He or she will then stitch the cut closed with dissolvable stiches.

The operation typically lasts about an hour and most people are able to go home the same day.

You will probably be able to go home the same day but you will need a friend or relative to pick you up because you’ll have had an anaesthetic and will feel woozy.

Pain relief and recovery time

You may feel some discomfort for a few days after your operation but we’ll provide you with painkillers. 

We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.

It’s a good idea to wear loose fitting underwear and clothing.

You’ll probably need around a week off work and you should avoid exercising and cycling for at least double that time. Have a quick shower rather than a bath and be careful about drying the wound – a hairdryer can be useful in this regard.

The dissolvable stitches should disappear within three weeks.

When the wound from the surgical cut heals after a few weeks your scrotum should look normal.

Looking after you

When you leave we’ll provide you with all the medication and information you need. The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.

If you have any questions or concerns, we’re ready to help.

We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.

Important to note

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.